2 women report violent attempted robberies in South Side

PITTSBURGH - Police said they're investigating two separate and violent attempted robbery reports in Pittsburgh's South Side Sunday night.

According to investigators, the first incident was reported around 7 p.m.

A 24-year-old woman said she was walking on Sarah Street when she heard someone running behind her. The woman said a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt then tried grabbing her purse, which was secured under her arm and over her neck.

The victim said she struggled for a short while with the man, who then said, "Please give me some money. I'm in a bad spot."

The woman said she gave the man a small amount of money. She said the robber then apologized before running toward East Carson Street.

Police said the victim was properly holding her purse, by strapping it across her body.

"I always have a cross-body bag," South Side resident Joannie Jenkins said. "I feel safer that way, like I have control over it. I usually hold it, too."

Then, around 9 p.m., police said another attempted robbery was reported near the intersection of Greeley and Josephine streets.

The 41-year-old victim said a man came up to her and asked for money. The woman said she was then thrown to the ground and hit on the head.

It was not immediately clear if the man got away with anything.

Police have not said if the two incidents are related, and most South Side residents told Channel 11’s Vince Sims they don’t think crime is a major problem on the side streets.

“I think it’s a very safe area. I can honestly say I’ve never felt threatened personally,” South Side resident Chris Burnside said.